Pages

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Flying Dog Counter Culture Ale

The term "counter culture" may well describe the attitude of the folks behind Flying Dog beers. However the new Counter Culture Ale from the Maryland brewery turns that around, and goes counter to all we've come to expect from Flying Dog Brewery.

Counter Culture Ale pours an attractive ruby-copper color with a persistent beige head. No citrusy, or hop-forward beer this one, the aroma is full of rich malt and dark fruit, plum and raisons come to mind. The flavor is heavy malt and biscuit. There's a bit of citrus bitterness but the bready malt predominates. I also get a Pilsener-like crispness at the finish. The ABV is noted at a low 4.3 moderate 6.0%.

I enjoyed this beer quite a bit. The flavor profile is unique and hard to describe. In some ways it reminded me of a Wee Heavy, and also of an Old Ale, with a smattering of Dunkelweizen tossed in. In fact, Flying Dog makes it a point to not put a style label on the beer.

We've come to expect, and love, the big, bold, brash hop-forward beers from Flying Dog. This one takes a new turn; malty and balanced, though still robustly flavored. Even the label art moves away from the outrageous and often risqué graphics we're familiar with. Long-time Flying Dog artist Ralph Steadman provides his interpretation of Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" to adorn the bottle. Counter Culture Ale might be best described as the anti-Flying Dog beer.

The beer reviewed here was a promotional sample from the brewery. My impressions are provided of my own free will.

Let's Do This

Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit

Self-Defense Is Not Violence

"It is high time for society to stop worrying about the criminal, and to let the criminal start worrying about society."-- Lt. Col. Jeff CooperPrinciples of Personal Defense

"Though defensive violence will always be 'a sad necessity' in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men."-- St. Augustine

Targets of the Left

"Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility."-- Catechism of the Catholic Church #2265

Good Company To Keep

The NRA

Proud Member

VCDL

Proud Member

VSSA

Proud Member

People of the Gun

Proud Member

Remembering Colonel

And finally, the blog would not be complete without a picture of our faithful canine companion of fourteen years. He lived a good life and brought much joy to our lives. We miss you old buddy.